Title
Examining the research assistant role in a college setting
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
14-1-2021 4:50 PM
End Date
14-1-2021 5:10 PM
Abstract
Examining the research assistant role in a college setting
Experiential learning in the post-secondary setting is increasingly being emphasized as an important opportunity for students. One example of this type of learning is working as a research assistant on an applied research study. (Abord-Babin, 2017) The applied research model used at many Canadian colleges includes collaboration with a community or industry partner and the hiring of students as research assistants. (Luke, 2013) This session will report on a qualitative study done to examine the role of the research assistant position as learning experience for college students. This study examined how the research assistant role in an applied research project is experienced by students and faculty as both a learning experience and a teaching tool. Individual interviews with faculty and research assistants were done to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences working on research projects together. The findings include best practice examples and contribute to possible areas of improvement for this experience for both students and faculty. This session will focus on both the findings of the study, which will be of interest to both faculty working with student research assistants and students engaged in these roles, as well as, the qualitative research process of conducting interviews with faculty and students.
Keywords
In-depth interviews, coding, research assistants, college, faculty research
Examining the research assistant role in a college setting
Examining the research assistant role in a college setting
Experiential learning in the post-secondary setting is increasingly being emphasized as an important opportunity for students. One example of this type of learning is working as a research assistant on an applied research study. (Abord-Babin, 2017) The applied research model used at many Canadian colleges includes collaboration with a community or industry partner and the hiring of students as research assistants. (Luke, 2013) This session will report on a qualitative study done to examine the role of the research assistant position as learning experience for college students. This study examined how the research assistant role in an applied research project is experienced by students and faculty as both a learning experience and a teaching tool. Individual interviews with faculty and research assistants were done to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences working on research projects together. The findings include best practice examples and contribute to possible areas of improvement for this experience for both students and faculty. This session will focus on both the findings of the study, which will be of interest to both faculty working with student research assistants and students engaged in these roles, as well as, the qualitative research process of conducting interviews with faculty and students.